How to Store a Guitar
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Store a guitar on a stand or in its case, in a dry room away from heat and damp. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth, set it upright so nothing leans on it, and check the strings when you take it out again.
Wipe the guitar before you store it
Wipe the body, neck and strings with a soft dry cloth before the guitar goes away, so dust and sweat do not sit on the finish while it rests. Look at the strings as you wipe: discolored or rough strings, rust, and strings that no longer hold tune are signs the strings are worn. If the fretboard looks dry or dirty, wipe it with the same dry cloth and leave any deeper cleaning to a repair shop.
Pick a spot away from heat and damp
Store the guitar in a room that stays dry and away from radiators, heaters and windows, since heat and damp can move the wood over time. Keep it out of a car trunk, a garage or any room that swings between hot and cold. A case adds a layer of cover against dust and knocks, and a stand keeps the guitar upright and off the floor.
Set the guitar on a stand
Set the stand on a flat, even surface and open it fully before the guitar goes on. Rest the body in the lower support and the neck in the upper support, so the guitar sits upright without leaning on a wall or furniture. Check that the stand holds the guitar steady before you walk away, and keep the area clear so nothing falls against the strings or body.
Store several guitars on a rack
A rack holds several guitars upright in a row, with each guitar in its own slot so the bodies do not touch. Put the rack on a flat surface against a wall, and leave space to lift each guitar out without catching the guitar beside it. A rack suits a room where the guitars are played and put back after each session.
Check the strings when you take it out
Take the guitar out and look over the strings and body before you play. Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth, and check the tuning against standard tuning E A D G B E. If a string looks discolored or rough, or no longer holds tune, change the string set. If the neck or frets look wrong, ask a repair shop rather than adjusting anything yourself.
What you need
Amazon Basics Height Adjustable Foldable Guitar Stand
A height-adjustable tripod stand with a friction knob, a neck lock and padded contact points, that folds for transport and suits most acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
- Folds for transport
- Neck lock / strap
- Style: Tripod
Amazon Basics Portable Adjustable Folding Guitar Stand
An A-frame stand with three adjustable-width settings, soft foam arms and a back rest, that folds flat for transport and storage.
- Folds for transport
- Style: Folding
AODSK 5 Multi Guitar Stand Rack
A folding rack for five guitars, with a metal frame and a rubber base that protects the floor from scratches.
- Folds for transport
- Style: Folding
Umelody Guitar Stool with Backrest with Adjustable Guitar
A stool with a five-position seat, an adjustable guitar support and an anti-slip cradle, that folds for storage.
- Folds for transport
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Stand, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Should a guitar be stored in its case or on a stand?
Either works. A case covers the guitar against dust and knocks, while a stand keeps it upright and ready to pick up. Pick the option that fits the room and keeps the guitar off the floor.
Can a guitar lean against a wall for storage?
A guitar should not lean against a wall, since it can slide and fall. Set it upright on a stand or lay it in its case, with the body and neck supported.
How do I know the strings need changing?
Look for discolored or rough strings, rust, and strings that no longer hold tune. Change the set when those signs show, and wipe the new strings with a soft dry cloth after playing.
Can I store several guitars on a single stand?
A single stand holds a single guitar. For several guitars, use a rack that gives each guitar its own slot, so the bodies do not touch.
Ranked guitar stands lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.